OMA's £110m Arts Centre in Manchester Receives Green Light
Manchester sets new heights in architecture…
World-renowned Dutch firm,OMA, received approval for its first major public building in the UK.
The art space, dubbed ‘Factory’, will be Manchester’s new cultural centre and the new home of the Manchester International Festival which is currently shared with multiple venues in the city. The building will also serve as a year-round concert and arts venue for Manchester residents to enjoy.
Courtesy of OMA
Following a £78 million investment in 2014, Manchester City Council launched a competition where OMA was selected for the project, beating other major contenders including, Rafael Viñoly Architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Zaha Hadid Architects and Mecanoo. The project is being led by partners Ellen van Loon and Rem Koolhaas.
The new venue is estimated at £110 million and will be located in the new St. John’s neighbourhood of Manchester on part of the former Granada TV Studios.
Courtesy of OMA
‘Much of my professional life has been spent undoing limitations of the traditional typologies, says van Loon.
‘From classical opera and ballet to large scale performances and experimental productions, Manchester Factory in provides the perfect opportunity to create the ultimate versatile space in which art, theatre and music come together: a platform for a new cultural scene.’
Courtesy of OMA
The project is expected to accumulate up to 1,500 full time jobs and an additional £1.1 billion to the economy over a decade. Construction will begin Spring 2017.
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